Spey Beats

[iainjay]

I'm up in Speyside next week with family but have been given a day or two off for fishing.A question for more experienced members:I see from fishspey website that there are days available on Wester Elchies &Craigellachie.Are these a better proposition than a day ticket at say, Grantown for roughly the same money?I realise the prices reflect the chances of a fish but I would love to fish a beat that is probably booked out at peak times.

PS Why is it that it seems these are the only two beats on the entire system that have fishing available?

Cheers

[JJ]

Hi

I am no expert but I have asked similar questions of local anglers so I'll pass on my observations (though I am sure some of our more experienced guys may have different views).

At this time of year, the lower Spey beats fish best and the beats from Craigellachie downstream generally fish better than eg Grantown as the fish dont tend to get there in numbers until early May (grilse arrive at Grantown in June/July - JuniorSpey or Willie Gunn may well agree with this?).

From the FishSpey website, just going on returns alone, the best beats in March are:-
- Delfur
- Rothes & Aikenway
These beats and other Lower Spey beats like Arndilly are almost impossible to get on (without a full week to spare, or deep pockets or great connections or better still, all three!)

That said Wester Elchies and Craigellachie are such famous beats, scenic and interesting to fish that for my money they are worth fishing whenever possible.

Grantown may best be left later until after early May. Above Grantown the salmon fishing appears a bit hit-or-miss?

Just my observations and I would appreciate other peoples views too. (Of course all observations with salmon fishing are subject to sometimes huge generalisations- thats why we love it!)

- JJ

[iainjay]

JJ
Well put,you've covered the points I was attempting to put across.I think,as a newcomer, I would just like to have a go on some of the well known beats,irrispective of time of season or catch returns etc.

Cheers

[iainjay]

Spevalley
Thanks for info.Have read in the forums about the reluctance of some beats to participate in the websites for various rivers.Beats me why.Are they hiding something?Scared of some new-fangled technology?I work freelance and find myself off at different times and really have come to rely on short-notice availability.The web-sites are a real godsend to folk who can't plan ahead but love their fishing.Have never met Malcolm but have taken his advice on so many things.Will book a day or two for next week.

Thanks again

[storlaks]

It does seem bizarre that beats like Tulchan (for example) don't subscibe. I have their availability list for 2006 and there's lots still unlet. Obviously "prime time" is let year after year, but the fringe weeks (March/April) can offer a good bargain. If this was on the Spey website I'm sure they'd get a few rods away. They must have their reasons, but I don't what they can be.

[williegunn]

storlaks said:

It does seem bizarre that beats like Tulchan (for example) don't subscibe. I have their availability list for 2006 and there's lots still unlet. Obviously "prime time" is let year after year, but the fringe weeks (March/April) can offer a good bargain. If this was on the Spey website I'm sure they'd get a few rods away. They must have their reasons, but I don't what they can be.

The hard working franchise manager may have some news in the next month or two about other beats coming on.

Watch this space.

[williegunn]

iainjay.
Listen to Graham Ritchie and James C they talk sense (most of the time). Ashley-Cooper rated Wester Elchies as one of the best beats on the Spey

[iainjay]

Thanks for all the help,booked Wester Elchies for Monday.Will try and negotiate Tuesday with She Who Must be Obeyed.

Cheers